All KEruKT OF THE SECKETARY OF AGllICULTURE. 



the tree to the exposition tal)le. The testing of European grapes was 

 continued during the year. Trees, plants, and vines were extensiv(>ly 

 distributed to expei'imenters. 



Division of Agrostology. — The study of grasses is essential that 

 the pla?it may be suited to locality and condition. The grasses are 

 our greatest source of wealth; the Division gathers, studies, and dis- 

 tributes. It cooperates with State experiment stations and producers. 

 The farm and the range are'being furnished with plants better adapted 

 to their conditions. In addition to experiments with our native grasses, 

 explorers from the Department search all countries for grasses, legumes, 

 and other forage plants for trial in all sections of our country. Two 

 hundred varieties of grasses have been distributed during the past j^ear 

 and 25 publications have been issued. This Division prepared the 

 exhibit of animal foods for the Paris Exposition, and will have a grass 

 garden at the Pan-American Exposition at Buftalo. 



Experimental Gardens and Grounds.— The Department grounds 

 have been brought to their present condition by Mr. ^V"illiam Saunders, 

 deceased. They are now under Mr. Gallowa}^ who will use them as an 

 object lesson, along horticultural lines, for the adornment of the home, 

 in town and country; for a study of nut and fruit trees; for the train- 

 ing of agricultural aids along lines of advanced knowledge in horticul- 

 ture. The production of American tea is very promising, and capital 

 is now seeking investment in this industry; the labor question is being 

 satisfactorily solved by utilizing colored children. 



Biological Survey. — This Division is studying the Belgian hare 

 and what we may expect of it. Congress has given this Department 

 authority regarding the importation of animals from foreign countries, 

 and the Division is in charge of the execution of this law; it is bring- 

 ing the associations of the States into closer touch regarding the pro- 

 tection of birds. Field work during the year has been carried on in 

 the Pacific coast and contiguous territories in Mexico and British 

 America. 



Division of Soils. ^ — Progress in this Division comprises mapping in 

 several States: tol^acco investigations, growing Sumatra tobacco under 

 shade, with prospect of saving annually to our citizens, producers and 

 consumers, $15,000,000; experiments in improvement of the aroma of 

 filler tobacco grown in Pennsylvania and Ohio; growing Cuban type of 

 cigar filler in Texas and Porto Pico. The exhibit at Paris was very 

 extensive and satisfactory. In the report expert salaries are discussed 

 and the printing of an annual report of the Division is suggested. 



Division of Forestry. — The work of this Division is along the 

 lines of demand for a better knowledge of trees. One hundred and 

 twenty -five people were cooperating during the last year in the study of 

 forestry under the chief of the Division. The Division is cooperating 

 with the lumbermen and tree planters. There is great demand for 

 help from private owners and public custodians; "working plans" 

 are being prepared for both, that is, instructions relative to care and 

 harvesting, to the end that forests be improved and yield returns. 

 Requests for these plans cover over 50,000,000 acres. Private owners 

 of large tracts desire help in this regard as well as States, and those 

 in charge of Government reserves and cities getting w\aters from 



